MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — Leaders from the Community College of the Air Force and 908th Airlift Wing briefed Federal Aviation Administration officers, Jan 20, 2023, of the newly developed Airframe and Powerplant Certification program at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
CCAF and 908th AW representatives briefed the three FAA officers on the standing of this system in addition to the impression it’s having on the unit.
Six members are enrolled in this system, all from the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Five college students are learning the total course, with one member learning particularly for the powerplant portion. The first two Airman accomplished this system Jan 21, 2023, and obtained their A&P certification.
The top notch began, Nov. 7, 2022. The course creates an avenue for maintainers to earn an FAA A&P certification with out spending hundreds of {dollars} in off-bass lessons and exams.
Chief Master Sgt. Quincey Hester, 908th Maintenance Group high quality assurance superintendent, initiated this system to offer skilled growth for his maintainers whereas the unit transitioned from the fastened wing C-130 Hercules to the brand new MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter.
“I pushed for this because I believe this program could be a huge recruiting and retainability tool for the 908th,” Hester stated. “Also, this shows that, as leaders, we are concerned with the professional and personal development of our people. We want the 908th MXG to be the best MH-139 maintenance unit in the Air Force with the best and most qualified workforce.”
Officials from the 908th AW labored with the FAA to arrange an accepted testing heart at Maxwell AFB and labored with the CCAF to develop a hands-on coaching course situated at the 908th AW for the A&P certification.
Hester stated he doesn’t fear about dropping individuals due to this system, as he has already seen his individuals exit on their very own and get their A&P with out a program being provided by the unit.
“They paid the money out of their pocket to do this course, to get their A&P certification, and they are staying here,” he stated. “This [program] shows that we have a vested interest in the professional and personal development of our Airmen. It builds loyalty.”
A&P licenses are the 2 FAA certificates required to develop into an aviation upkeep technician. To carry out upkeep, repairs or assessments on an plane, sure certifications should be earned first. The airframe and powerplant licenses present that you’ve the talents and the data.
The FAA official at the assembly stated they had been impressed with this system at the 908th AW and Maxwell AFB and stay up for working with them additional.
Bradley J. Clark, 908th Airlift Wing, contributed to the article.
